Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
The CDC's acting head canceled publication of a peer-reviewed study demonstrating that COVID vaccines reduce hospitalization likelihood. The agency claimed the report gave an inaccurate picture of vaccine effectiveness. This action limits public access to vaccine efficacy data and impacts public health communication.
Executive Order 14365 establishes a national policy framework governing artificial intelligence development and deployment across federal agencies. The order sets standards for AI safety, security, and ethical use in government operations. This affects American workers, consumers, and businesses reliant on federal AI regulations and procurement.
Executive Order 14292 establishes new safety and security protocols for biological research activities. The order implements enhanced oversight and regulatory measures for laboratories and research institutions conducting biological work. This affects research institutions, universities, and private laboratories across the United States.
The Trump administration terminated several scientists serving on the National Science Foundation's National Science Board. The White House Personnel Office notified board members of their removal via message. The action reduces scientific representation in NSF governance and impacts the board's advisory role on science policy.
On January 23, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14177 dissolving the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The order eliminated this advisory council, which had provided scientific and technological policy recommendations to the president across administrations. The immediate effect was the termination of the council's operations and cessation of its advisory functions to the executive branch.
President Trump signed Executive Order 14179 on January 23, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove regulatory barriers to artificial intelligence development and deployment. The order establishes a framework for accelerating AI innovation through reduced compliance requirements and streamlined approval processes across federal agencies. Confirmed direct impacts include expedited AI project approvals in federal programs and modified regulatory timelines for AI systems in healthcare, transportation, and other sectors.
The Trump administration implemented a pause on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant funding, affecting scientists who collect atmospheric data. This funding freeze puts climate and weather research positions at risk for elimination across institutions like the University of Colorado. The action directly impacts scientific research capabilities and employment in the climate and atmospheric sciences sector.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2020-20847 on September 9, 2020, revising United States marine scientific research policy. The proclamation modified requirements and procedures governing marine scientific research conducted in U.S. waters and by U.S. entities. The specific operational changes affected research permitting, notification requirements, and institutional review processes for marine scientists and research organizations conducting work in designated marine areas.
On September 4, 2020, the Trump administration signed a memorandum establishing cybersecurity principles and standards for U.S. space systems and infrastructure. The directive requires federal agencies and contractors developing space systems to implement specified security practices and report on compliance. The order affects how civilian and military space programs implement cybersecurity controls for satellites, ground stations, and related systems used by federal agencies and private contractors.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13920 on May 1, 2020, directing the Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security to protect U.S. electric grid infrastructure from cybersecurity threats and foreign interference. The order established requirements for bulk-power system operators to implement security measures and report vulnerabilities. It created a framework for federal agencies to coordinate on grid protection and granted the President authority to prohibit bulk-power system equipment from designated foreign countries.